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| Matt York / Getty Images |
| Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is on the verge of becoming an elite fantasy option at his position. |
Start 'Em & Sit 'Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups of the week and how those matchups will affect your fantasy team. Sleeper alert highlights a player who's under the radar but could produce strong numbers based on the opponent. Owners beware highlights a player who's a regular starter in most fantasy leagues but could fail to meet expectations. If you still have questions, check out our weekly lineup rankings.
Start of the Week
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Green Bay Packers |
 Aaron Rodgers |
Rodgers has a chance to become a superstar in fantasy circles, and he'll start that acsention Sunday night against Chicago. The Bears finished last season ranked 30th in pass defense -- the Chargers and Seahawks were the lone teams below them. Rodgers was also impressive against his NFC North foe in 2008. In two starts against them, Rodgers threw for 487 yards with four touchdown passes. |
Quarterbacks -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Houston Texans |
 Matt Schaub |
Barring a setback with his ankle, Schaub is a solid option against a Jets defense that was among the league's worst against the pass in 2008. The Men in Green will also be without DE Shaun Ellis and LB/DE Calvin Pace, who are out due to league-imposed suspensions, so their defensive backfield will be more vulnerable without a strong pass rush. Look for Schaub to start the season on a high fantasy note. |
| More quarterbacks with favorable matchups |
| 1. Kurt Warner vs. 49ers: 1,415 passing yards (283.0 passing YPG), 9 TDs in last five starts vs. San Francisco. 2. Tony Romo at Buccaneers: 306 yards, 5 TDs in lone start vs. Bucs; defense ranked 26th vs. pass in preseason. 3. Matt Ryan vs. Dolphins: Defense ranked 25th vs. pass in 2008; Allowed average of 245.9 passing YPG on road. 4. Matt Hasselbeck vs. Rams: 387 yards, 4 TDs in preseason; Rams 24th in road passing yards allowed in 2008. 5. Carson Palmer vs. Broncos: Broncos ranked 26th against the pass in 2008; allowed average of 228.5 pass YPG. Sleeper alert: Joe Flacco vs. Chiefs: Chiefs allowed an average of 23.7 PPG on the road last season. |
Quarterbacks -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Kansas City Chiefs |
 Matt Cassel |
Cassel is dealing with an injured knee and could be limited against the Ravens, whose defense ranked second overall in pass defense and allowed an average of just 149.2 passing yards per game at home last season. With a questionable line in front of him and no one but Dwayne Bowe to throw to in the offense, Cassel is in for a difficult week. Unless you're desperate, avoid Cassel if at all possible. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 New York Giants |
 Eli Manning |
With Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer out of the mix, Manning will now have to choose from a list of unproven wideouts that includes Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith and Mario Manningham. Manning has also struggled against this week's opponent, the Redskins. In eight career starts against Washington, Manning has averaged just 210.5 passing yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions. |
| More quarterbacks with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Kyle Orton at Bengals: Missed preseason action with injured finger; Brandon Marshall's status a possible issue. 2. David Garrard at Colts: 1,039 yards (207.8 pass YPG), 3 TD passes, 7 INTs in last three games vs. Indianapolis. 3. Trent Edwards at Patriots: New OC hired in the last week; Patriots allowed 190.1 pass YPG at home in 2008. 4. Jake Delhomme vs. Eagles: Eagles ranked third against pass and allowed just 182.1 pass YPG last season. 5. Marc Bulger at Seahawks: Missed preseason with an injured pinkie finger; 2 TDs, 5 INTs in last two vs. Seattle. Owners beware: Brett Favre at Browns: Browns ranked 14th vs. pass, allowed 19 TD passes overall in 2008. |
Running backs -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Dallas Cowboys |
 Marion Barber |
Barber is expected to share the backfield workload with Felix Jones (he's also a nice fantasy option this week), but the veteran is still slated to see the ever-important goal-line work along with his regular duties. That makes Barber a very strong fantasy play against the Buccaneers, whose run defense allowed 756 rushing yards (189.0 YPG) in the final four weeks of last season. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Miami Dolphins |
 Ronnie Brown |
The Falcons might end up with one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL this season, but there are still plenty of question marks about their defense. These Dirty Birds were particularly bad against the run in 2008, ranking 25th while allowing an average of 127.9 yards per game. That's good news for Brown, who will see an increased workload and should be a solid No. 2 fantasy back this week. |
| More running backs with favorable matchups |
| 1. Ryan Grant vs. Bears: 64 carries, 306 rushing yards (4.8 YPC), 2 TDs in last three games against Chicago. 2. Kevin Smith at Saints: Lions will lean on run with Matthew Stafford at QB; Saints ranked 17th vs. run in 2008. 3. Ray Rice vs. Chiefs: Chiefs ranked 30th vs. run, allowed an average of 153.2 rushing YPG on the road in 2008. 4. Cedric Benson vs. Broncos: Broncos ranked 27th vs. run, allowed average of 184.0 rushing YPG on road in 2008. 5. Thomas Jones at Texans: Texans ranked 23rd vs. run; Jets will run to support rookie QB Mark Sanchez. Sleeper alert: Mike Bell vs. Lions: Lions ranked last vs. run in 2008; Could see work if Pierre Thomas is out. |
Running backs -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Oakland Raiders |
 Darren McFadden |
McFadden has a lot of potential for both the Raiders and fantasy owners alike, but he shouldn't be seen as more than a low-end No. 2 back or flex starter against San Diego. The Chargers finished last season ranked 11th in run defense, and the unit as a whole should improve in 2009 with the return of DE/LB Shawne Merriman. With Michael Bush also in the mix, McFadden could disappoint. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Cleveland Browns |
 Jamal Lewis |
Lewis, 30, is coming off ankle surgery and an unimpressive preseason that might land him in a backfield committee with rookie James Davis and Jerome Harrison. Even if he remains the featured back, the veteran runner would be a huge risk against Minnesota. The Vikings ranked first in run defense last season, and the Williams Wall (Kevin and Pat) will be available to stop Lewis all afternoon. |
| More running backs with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Larry Johnson at Ravens: Ravens ranked third vs. run, allowed average of 73.6 rushing YPG at home in 2008. 2. Knowshon Moreno at Bengals: Missed three preseason games with injured knee; could see limited workload. 3. Fred Jackson at Patriots: New OC in the last week; offensive line woes are a major concern for Jackson. 4. Cadillac Williams vs. Cowboys: Will start but is sharing carries with both Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham. 5. Jonathan Stewart vs. Eagles: Missed preseason with sore Achilles; Eagles ranked fourth vs. run last season. Owners beware: Clinton Portis at Giants: 485 rushing yards (69.3 YPG), three TDs in last seven games vs. Giants. |
Wide receivers -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 New Orleans Saints |
 Marques Colston |
Colston, a disappointment in fantasy circles last season due to injuries, should open the 2009 season with a bang against Detroit. The Lions finished last season ranked 27th against the pass, so Drew Brees will no doubt look to Colston often in a game that should see the Saints light up the scoreboard. In one career game against the Lions, Colston had nine catches and scored two touchdowns. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Atlanta Falcons |
 Roddy White |
One of the best young receivers in fantasy football, White should be active in all leagues this week against Miami. The Dolphins saw a major improvement in most statistical categories last season, but their pass defense was a lowly 25th in the league and allowed the fourth-most receiving yards per game on the road. Look for Matt Ryan to target White several times this Sunday. |
| More wide receivers with favorable matchups |
| 1. Chad Ochocinco vs. Broncos: Impressive preseason totals; defense ranked 26th in pass defense in 2008. 2. Eddie Royal at Bengals: Bengals were a respectable 15th vs. pass in 2008, but allowed 23 receiving TDs (T-eighth). 3. DeSean Jackson at Panthers: Strong training camp; Panthers a middle-of-the-road 16th vs. pass last season. 4. Anthony Gonzalez vs. Jaguars: Jaguars ranked 24th vs. pass, allowed 25 receiving TDs (T-3rd) last season. 5. Derrick Mason vs. Chiefs: Big PPR potential; should be targeted often against a questionable pass defense. Sleeper alert: Josh Morgan at Cardinals: Team's No. 1 WR; Cardinals allowed a NFL-high 36 TD receptions in 2008. |
Wide receivers -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
 Antonio Bryant |
Bryant was one of the biggest sleepers in fantasy football last season, but his value fell when the Buccaneers went in a different offensive direction to more of a run-based system. He's also coming off a minor surgical procedure on his knee during camp, which caused him to miss most of the preseason. While Bryant is still a viable No. 3 fantasy wideout, don't expect big numbers against the Dallas Cowboys. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Jacksonville Jaguars |
 Torry Holt |
Holt, 33, is clearly on the downside of his career. That was evident last season, when he finished with his lowest reception, yardage and touchdown totals since 1999. Now with the Jaguars, Holt remains a No. 1 wideout but should be seen as more than a third option in fantasy circles. His numbers could be a bit mediocre against the Colts, whose pass defense was sixth in the league last season. |
| More wide receivers with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Vincent Jackson vs. Raiders (Mon.): Likely fantasy starter in all leagues, but has 5 catches in last two in Oakland. 2. Braylon Edwards vs. Vikings: Likely fantasy starter in most leagues, but Vikings defense is always stout. 3. Bernard Berrian at Browns: Missed preseason with injured hamstring; could be limited in a mediocre matchup. 4. Lee Evans at Patriots (Mon.): 25 catches, 372 yards (37.2 YPG), no TDs in 10 career games vs. New England. 5. Devin Hester at Packers: Three receptions, 19 yards, no TDs in two games against Green Bay last season. Owners beware: Dwayne Bowe at Ravens: Still a fantasy starter, but could have a slow start in Baltimore. |
Tight ends -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Indianapolis Colts |
 Dallas Clark |
To get right to the point, Clark has absolutely owned the Jaguars in recent seasons. Over the last two years, the veteran tight end out of Iowa has recorded a combined 23 receptions, 278 yards and four touchdowns. That includes an eight-catch, 105-yard, one-touchdown performance in fantasy championship week last season. Clark should find continued success this week and is a must-start for owners. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 New York Jets |
 Dustin Keller |
Keller showed flashes of potential in his rookie season, but now he's a viable sleeper candidate in fantasy circles. With rookie Mark Sanchez under center, Keller will no doubt be seen as a reliable safety net for the inexperienced quarterback. In a contest against the Texans, whose defense was one of the more vulnerable in the league against tight ends in 2008, Keller is a viable fantasy starter in most formats. |
| More tight ends with favorable matchups |
| 1. Greg Olsen at Packers: A breakout candidate, Olsen should lead the Bears in total targets against the Packers. 2. Owen Daniels vs. Jets: Jets struggled to stop tight ends in 2008; five catches in one career start vs. Jets. 3. John Carlson vs. Rams: Rams lack pass rush and effective secondary; Carlson should see plenty of targets. 4. Jeremy Shockey vs. Lions: Impressive in the preseason; Lions allowed 939 yards, 8 TDs to tight ends in 2008. 5. Zach Miller vs. Chargers (Mon.): Chargers allowed 98 receptions, 1,097 yards, 11 TDs to tight ends last season. Sleeper alert: Jermichael Finley vs. Bears: Strong in preseason; Bears finished last season ranked 30th vs. pass. |
Tight ends -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Washington Redskins |
 Chris Cooley |
Most fantasy owners won't sit Cooley based on his overall value and level of production, but don't be shocked if he fails to put up big numbers against the Giants. The veteran has posted just 29 receptions for 281 yards (35.1 YPG) and two touchdowns in his last eight starts against the NFC East rival. What's more, Cooley hasn't scored a touchdown in New York since his rookie season (2004). |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Minnesota Vikings |
 Visanthe Shiancoe |
Shiancoe's fantasy value rose when the Vikings added Brett Favre, and he'll finish the season with solid totals across the board. But against the Browns, the veteran could struggle to record good numbers. Believe it or not, but Cleveland allowed 685 yards and just one touchdown to tight ends last season. Coach Eric Mangini's team will also be playing on its home field, which is an advantage as well. |
| More tight ends with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Tony Scheffler at Bengals: Offense isn't conducive for tight end success; Will lose snaps to Daniel Graham. 2. Kevin Boss vs. Redskins: Redskins ranked seventh vs. pass, allowed a mere three TDs to tight ends last season 3. Vernon Davis at Cardinals: Failed to meet expectations last season; hard to trust Davis as a fantasy starter yet. 4. Chris Baker vs. Bills (Mon.): Bills ranked 13th vs. pass, surrendered 14 receiving TDs (fourth) last season. 5. Brandon Pettigrew at Saints: Saints tough vs. tight ends last season; rookie needs to prove he's fantasy worthy. Owners beware: Kellen Winslow vs. Cowboys: Cowboys allowed just 568 yards to tight ends in 2008. |
Kickers -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Arizona Cardinals |
 Neil Rackers |
Rackers, once the top kicker in fantasy football, has a tremendous matchup against the 49ers in Week 1. Not only was San Francisco's defense one of the more vulnerable units when it came to kickers, but Rackers has also booted 20 field goals (20-of-22) against them over the last four seasons. In a game where the Cardinals should put some points on the scoreboard, look for Rackers to be solid. |
| More kickers with favorable matchups |
| 1. Stephen Gostkowski vs. Bills (Mon.): The Bills allowed 34 field-goal conversions to opposing teams in 2008. 2. Nate Kaeding at Raiders (Mon.): The Raiders were 24th in scoring last season; Chargers should move the ball. 3. John Carney vs. Lions: The Lions surrendered 25 field-goal conversions and 62 extra points in 2008. 4. Kris Brown vs. Jets: A fantasy sleeper; Texans should score points vs. Jets' weakened defensive line. 5. Josh Brown at Seahawks: The Seahawks allowed more fantasy points to kickers than any other team last season. Sleeper alert: Shayne Graham vs. Broncos: Expected to be back from groin injury; should see scoring opportunities. |
Kickers -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Philadelphia Eagles |
 David Akers |
Akers was one of the top-scoring kickers in fantasy football on NFL.com last season, and he remains a viable starter across the board. However, the veteran could have a slow start to the regular season against Carolina. The Panthers fielded one of the more stingier defenses in the league when it came to stopping kickers, allowing fewer than seven fantasy points (6.8) per game. |
| More kickers with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Adam Vinatieri vs. Jaguars: Coming back from offseason hip and knee surgeries; one field goal vs. Jags in 2008. 2. Rian Lindell at Patriots (Mon.): The Patriots allowed second-fewest fantasy points to kickers in 2008. 3. Joe Nedney at Cardinals: The Cardinals surrendered just 21 field goal conversions (21-of-27) all of last season. 4. Dan Carpenter at Falcons: The Falcons surrendered just 20 field goal conversions (20-of-25) all of last season. 5. Jason Hanson at Saints: Missed preseason time due to injuries; hard to trust him if he's not 100 percent healthy. Owners beware: Ryan Longwell at Browns: The Browns ranked third in allowing fewest fantasy points to kickers in 2008. |
Defenses -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player |
 Ravens defense |
The Ravens defense saw a lot of changes in the offseason, but this unit still has a ton of value to fantasy owners. That will be evident in Week 1 against a Chiefs offense that could be led by a less-than-healthy Matt Cassel. Look for the purple and black to blitz a ton and put pressure on Cassel, which should result in some major fantasy points. |
| More defenses with favorable matchups |
| 1. Vikings defense at Browns: Offense has few legitimate weapons for QB Brady Quinn to utilize in the pass attack. 2. Chargers defense at Raiders (Mon.): DE/LB Shawne Merriman is back and will help hold down this offense. 3. Cowboys defense at Buccaneers: Bucs have a new OC and some question marks all over their offensive attack. 4. Patriots defense vs. Bills (Mon.): Offense will be without Marshawn Lynch and could struggle under new OC. 5. Seahawks defense vs. Rams: A potential sleeper; Offense could be ineffective if QB Marc Bulger isn't healthy. Sleeper alert: Saints defense vs. Lions: Look for defense to put pressure on rookie QB Matthew Stafford. |
Defenses -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player |
Jets defense |
The Jets defense should be a viable fantasy option in the long run under new coach Rex Ryan, but this unit will be vulnerable in Week 1 without DE Shaun Ellis and DE/LB Calvin Pace on the field due to suspensions. With a road game against a Texans offense that ranked third in 2008 on tap, the Men in Green could be in for a difficult start 2008. |
| More defenses with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Dolphins defense at Falcons: Offense should be far more explosive with veteran TE Tony Gonzalez in the mix. 2. Jaguars defense at Colts: Defense allowed a combined 52 points in two games vs. Indianapolis last season. 3. Buccaneers defense vs. Cowboys: Defense was awful down the stretch in 2008; vulnerable to Dallas run game. 4. Bills defense at Patriots (Mon.): Facing an offense with Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Enough said. 5. 49ers defense at Cardinals: No offense averaged more PPG (30.4) at home than the Cardinals last season. Owners beware: Bears defense at Packers: Defense surrendered 37 points in last road game against Green Bay. |
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